Being half the man you used to be tends not to be a good thing, unless you're Andre Blumberg. Over the past two years, the 42-year-old Hong Kong-based German has shed so much weight that he literally looks half the obese, 100-plus kilogram guy he was.

I'm visiting from out of town for six days and I'm in need of adding bling to my wardrobe in a hurry. I'll be attending an engagement party and a wedding in December and need to find some eye-catching clothing. I don't want to spend a fortune but I need to look really, really good. I'm American, tall (five feet, 11 inches), slim (155 pounds) and just turned 60.

At Hong Kong International School, with the most expensive tuition in the city, the head of school serves only at the approval of a church council more than 12,000 kilometres away in the American Midwest.

Despite the high fees, a place in one of Hong Kong's top international schools is more highly prized than ever. But demand currently far exceeds supply, a fact bemoaned by expat and local parents alike.

Laguna Verde was built on the Whampoa waterfront. Transport is convenient, with a minibus and bus terminus in the area, plus the Tsim Sha Tsui extension of the KCR. The apartment has two bedrooms, with 762 sq ft of space. It has a quiet, green view and an asking price of HK$6.48 million.

Located amid the beauty of Tai Tam Country Park, Hong Kong Parkview combines tranquil resort-style living with the convenience of city life. The luxury residential complex has easy access to the picturesque beaches of Island South and is only 15 minutes from Central.